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Editorial
July 13, 1945
Toledo Union Journal
Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio
What is this article about?
In a 1945 editorial, Richard Gosser, Director of UAW-CIO Region 2B, argues that labor must actively engage in politics via the Political Action Committee to counter relentless anti-labor efforts in Washington and Columbus, urging workers to join and support pro-labor candidates to safeguard their interests.
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Friday, July 13, 1945
Regional Views
By Richard Gosser
Director Region 2B. UAW-CIO
POLITICAL ACTION
Based on what has been going on in Washington and Columbus, it seems to me that the future of the labor movement rests upon how well it is able to succeed in the political field.
I know there are still some people who are so simple that they cannot see what business labor has in politics, but we will skip them at this time. It is for the one who can see the necessity of labor in politics that I write this.
One of the strangest things in the world is how so many workers who believe in political action fail to affiliate themselves with the Political Action Committee. It isn't because they don't recognize the need for political action, or because they don't believe in it that they fail. It's probably for the same reason that people put off getting their automobile licenses or paying their income taxes until the last day.
In Washington, the forces which are working against labor do not put off their efforts. They are in there constantly trying to do everything in their power to obstruct the workers and their organizations. They are using political action to bring about legislation harmful to us. They don't put off until the last day, but work every day to injure, and if possible, actually destroy us.
OUR WEAPON
Our weapon against the political action of those who fear and hate us is our own political action. This we accomplish in several ways. 1. We organize and join our own political action committee (PAC). 2. We seek to find those who are candidates for public office who will work for our interests in the state legislature and congress and elect them. 3. We work to defeat those serving in public office who oppose our economic interests or who are for legislation which would weaken or destroy us.
Many of us are either very trustful or unaware that there are forces at work in this country which, like Hitler, recognize that the only thing that stands between them and absolute political and economic control is labor.
These people are realistic. They recognize us far better than we recognize them. They fear our power and know that they must break it if they are to succeed in dictating the economic life of this country. They will stoop to any device and stop at nothing to achieve their ends.
We too should be realistic. We should not wait until we are attacked from all sides before taking an interest in our own individual and class welfare. We should realize that constant vigilance is the price of our economic and political freedom.
The best way we can protect our economic and political interests, and the two are identical, is to join PAC and take an active part in the fight against growing reaction.
Regional Views
By Richard Gosser
Director Region 2B. UAW-CIO
POLITICAL ACTION
Based on what has been going on in Washington and Columbus, it seems to me that the future of the labor movement rests upon how well it is able to succeed in the political field.
I know there are still some people who are so simple that they cannot see what business labor has in politics, but we will skip them at this time. It is for the one who can see the necessity of labor in politics that I write this.
One of the strangest things in the world is how so many workers who believe in political action fail to affiliate themselves with the Political Action Committee. It isn't because they don't recognize the need for political action, or because they don't believe in it that they fail. It's probably for the same reason that people put off getting their automobile licenses or paying their income taxes until the last day.
In Washington, the forces which are working against labor do not put off their efforts. They are in there constantly trying to do everything in their power to obstruct the workers and their organizations. They are using political action to bring about legislation harmful to us. They don't put off until the last day, but work every day to injure, and if possible, actually destroy us.
OUR WEAPON
Our weapon against the political action of those who fear and hate us is our own political action. This we accomplish in several ways. 1. We organize and join our own political action committee (PAC). 2. We seek to find those who are candidates for public office who will work for our interests in the state legislature and congress and elect them. 3. We work to defeat those serving in public office who oppose our economic interests or who are for legislation which would weaken or destroy us.
Many of us are either very trustful or unaware that there are forces at work in this country which, like Hitler, recognize that the only thing that stands between them and absolute political and economic control is labor.
These people are realistic. They recognize us far better than we recognize them. They fear our power and know that they must break it if they are to succeed in dictating the economic life of this country. They will stoop to any device and stop at nothing to achieve their ends.
We too should be realistic. We should not wait until we are attacked from all sides before taking an interest in our own individual and class welfare. We should realize that constant vigilance is the price of our economic and political freedom.
The best way we can protect our economic and political interests, and the two are identical, is to join PAC and take an active part in the fight against growing reaction.
What sub-type of article is it?
Labor
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Political Action
Labor Politics
Pac
Anti Labor Forces
Economic Interests
Political Vigilance
What entities or persons were involved?
Political Action Committee (Pac)
Labor Movement
Anti Labor Forces
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Labor's Need For Political Action
Stance / Tone
Urging Active Participation In Political Action To Protect Labor Interests
Key Figures
Political Action Committee (Pac)
Labor Movement
Anti Labor Forces
Key Arguments
Future Of Labor Movement Depends On Success In Politics
Workers Should Join Pac Despite Procrastination
Anti Labor Forces Work Constantly Against Labor Through Politics
Labor's Weapon Is Organizing Pac, Electing Pro Labor Candidates, Defeating Opponents
Anti Labor Forces Seek To Destroy Labor Like Hitler
Constant Vigilance Required For Economic And Political Freedom
Join Pac To Fight Growing Reaction